their harmonies, because these smiles were purchased by suffering
and forgetfulness of self.

And now, my cherished Spouse, it is my turn to ask something of
thee. Thou wilt not refuse Me--thou lovest Me too much. Let us
change the game. Ninepins amuse me greatly, but at present I
should like to play at spinning a top, and, if thou dost consent,
thou shalt be the top. I give thee one as a model. Thou seest that
it is ugly to look at, and would be kicked aside by whosoever did
not know the game. But at the sight of it a child would leap for
joy and shout: "What fun! it will spin a whole day without
stopping!"

Although thou too art not attractive, I--the little Jesus--love
thee, and beg of thee to keep always spinning to amuse Me. True,
it needs a whip to make a top spin. Then let thy Sisters supply
the whip, and be thou most grateful to those who shall make thee
turn fastest. When I shall have had plenty of fun, I will bring
thee to join Me here, and our games shall be full of unalloyed
delight.--Thy little Brother,

JESUS.

* * * * * *

I had the habit of constantly crying about the merest trifles, and
this was a source of great pain to Soeur Thérèse. One day a bright
idea occurred to her: taking a mussel-shell from her painting
table, and, holding my hands lest I should prevent her, she
gathered my tears in the shell, and soon they were turned into